Encyclopedia Dubuque
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DUBUQUE CABINET MAKERS' ASSOCIATION
DUBUQUE CABINET MAKERS' ASSOCIATION. Formation of the Dubuque Cabinet-Makers' Association, one of the most enterprising and wealthy corporations in Dubuque around 1911, was first suggested early in 1867. It was not until June 15 of that year that the Association was chartered by authority of the Legislature, with the following gentlemen as incorporators: Henry WUNDERLICH, John Stuber, C. Jacobi, John Foerst, Jacob Seeger, G. Schneider, Joachim Kurtz, William Kley, H. Huber, John Chrismer, B. Baumhoefer, Otto WULLWEBER, George Scheuler and H. Tischer. The capital stock was established at $7,000, and the first officers elected were George Scheuler, President, and William Kley, manager.
The goal of the Association was the manufacture and purchase of all qualities of furniture. A large three-story frame building at the corner of Jackson and Tenth streets was transformed into a factory (attached to which was the lumber-yard, etc.), in which twenty-five men were employed.
A few minutes past 7 o'clock on the evening of January 11, 1870, the factory was destroyed in a disastrous fire. The loss of $15,000 with little insurance nearly ruined the company.
Little time was lost, however, in making arrangements for rebuilding, and a four-story brick structure, 40x60, with engine and dry house, were erected on the site of the burned premises at a cost of about $12,000.
Business increased annually. On August 15, 1877, the corporation was re-organized, the capital stock increased to $40,000, paid up, and the facilities for work improved. In 1911 the officers are: Henry Wunderlich, President and General Manager; John Stuber, Secretary, and C. Jacobi, foreman. About eighty people are employed, at a weekly salary of $1,000. Not less than $100,000 worth of production was marketed annually with many buyers in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Dakota and Nebraska. In 1880 through 1884-1885 the Dubuque City Directory listed the company at 429 to 437 Main.
In 1894 the former Dubuque Universalist Church on Tenth and Main STREETS was sold to the Association. The company remained there until the building was sold to the Dubuque Electric Company in 1924.
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Source:
Oldt, Franklin T., History of Dubuque County